Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

Mauritius’s east coast is best seen from the water, and this fast-moving day reaches far more than the usual Ile aux Cerfs beach stop. You snorkel at Blue Bay, view the 1902 Dalbair shipwreck, walk around a ruined lighthouse, pass old defenses, visit a waterfall, and finish with a beach barbecue.

I like the small speedboat format, which gives you a livelier ride and more time at the islands than a slow catamaran. I also like the mix of sea, history, wildlife, and food, especially the chance to see dolphins, turtles, monkeys, and fruit bats if conditions cooperate.

The main caution is that this is as much a social boat party as a sightseeing trip. Unlimited drinks, music, rum, and dancing suit some people perfectly, but families or anyone wanting quiet interpretation may find the atmosphere too loud or alcohol-focused. Pickup times can also change, so check the latest message carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay snorkeling comes first, with clear water, coral, and fish at an average depth of about 5.5 meters.
• The speedboat covers a lot of ground, but the ride can be bumpy and you may sit in direct sun for much of the day.
• Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe add real history, including a 19th-century lighthouse and old French and British defenses.
• Lunch is served on the beach at Ilot Margenie, with barbecue food, salads, drinks, music, sega dancing, and banana flambé.
• The mood is lively and drink-led, not a quiet nature cruise. The boat may carry up to 15 people.
• The $151.21 price includes a lot, including hotel transport, lunch, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks.

Why this east-coast boat trip covers so much

The day begins with hotel pickup at about 8 a.m., though the exact collection time can vary by accommodation. A private, air-conditioned vehicle takes you to Blue Bay on the southeast coast, where you meet the boat crew.

This transfer is more useful than it may first sound. Mauritius is compact, but getting from a resort to the southeast coast can take time. Having pickup and drop-off included means you do not need to arrange a taxi for an early start or find the dock yourself.

The tour is advertised as a five-island trip, yet the actual route includes more than five named places. Some are proper stops, while others are viewed from the boat or visited briefly. That makes the day feel full, but it also means you should not expect a long guided walk on every island.

The speedboat is the main character here. It gets you between Blue Bay, the outer islets, the Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs quickly. Compared with a catamaran, it feels energetic and lets you move close to shore, though the tradeoff is less room to stretch out and more exposure to spray and sun.

Blue Bay Marine Park: the best snorkeling stop

Your first water stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the strongest parts of the trip. The snorkeling area has clear water and an average depth of about 5.5 meters. The marine park is known for a large range of coral, with more than 50 species noted in the tour information.

You can expect time to look for reef fish and coral rather than simply jumping overboard for a quick swim. Equipment is supplied, which keeps the morning simple, though you should still bring your own mask if you have one that fits you especially well.

The water conditions depend on wind, tide, and weather. On a clear day, this is the sort of stop that makes the boat fare worthwhile. You might see a broad spread of fish and coral, while the shallow lagoon later in the day offers a second chance to swim.

Bring sunblock, a hat, and clothing that covers your shoulders. One practical point comes through clearly: you may spend hours under open sky, with little shade between stops. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, since the best views are from the boat and the water.

Pointe d’Esny and the Dalbair shipwreck

The next stop is the Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny. The wreck has been on the coral reef since 1902, and the guide is expected to explain its disputed story before the boat moves on.

This is a short visit of about 30 minutes, so think of it as a historical pause rather than a full wreck exploration. The appeal comes from seeing a piece of maritime history in its setting, with the reef and open sea around it.

Guides vary, but several named crew members received particular praise for keeping the day moving while explaining what you were seeing. Chris, Nelson, Donovan, and Emmanuel are among the guides and boat crew mentioned positively, though you should not assume that one of them will lead your departure.

Ile aux Aigrettes: a cocktail and a natural pool

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you get about 40 minutes for a drink and a swim in a clear lagoon. The stop is described as a natural swimming pool, with starfish visible in the water.

This is an easy, pleasant break after the first snorkeling session. You can swim, look around, or simply cool off with the included cocktail. It is not presented as a full wildlife reserve visit, so do not confuse this stop with a land-based tour of the protected nature reserve.

The short time here is typical of the whole day. You get a taste of several places rather than a slow, in-depth visit to one island. If you prefer variety, that is a strength. If you like lingering on a beach, the two-hour stop at Ile aux Cerfs will suit you better.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe: history on small islands

Ile aux Phare, also called L’Île aux Fouquets, is a rocky island in Grand Port Bay. Its lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahébourg, and the island played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

You have about 45 minutes here to see the old lighthouse ruins and walk around. The island offers a welcome change from swimming stops. The structures give the day a sense of place, and the views back toward the mainland and surrounding sea are excellent.

Next comes Ile de la Passe, another small islet with old defensive ruins. French and British forces built defenses here during the colonial period, and the site is linked to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port.

The visit lasts about 30 minutes and depends on sea tide. That qualification matters. If the tide or sea conditions prevent landing, you may see the islet from the boat instead. The ruins are weathered, so the value comes from their setting and the story behind them, not from polished monuments or a large museum-style presentation.

If historical explanation is important to you, listen closely to the guide. The quality of this part depends heavily on who is driving the boat. Some crew members provide a useful account of the battles and buildings, while the atmosphere on other departures may lean more toward music and drinks.

Ilot Flamants and the open lagoon

Ilot Flamants is a small white-sand island in the lagoon. You have roughly 30 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling before continuing toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is one of the most photogenic stops. The sandbar, pale water, and open views give you the classic east-coast Mauritius setting. It is also a good place for a second swim if you are not keen on snorkeling at Blue Bay.

The island has limited shade, and the boat may be carrying a full group of up to 15 people. Keep your belongings secure and do not expect changing facilities to be described as part of the stop. The practical approach is to wear swimwear under your clothes and keep a dry layer in a waterproof bag.

While moving between the islands, the boat may pass Ilot Vacoas. This is a viewing point rather than a major landing stop, another example of how the trip combines quick sights with longer breaks.

Grand River South East Waterfall by speedboat

The Grand River South East Waterfall is reached by taking the speedboat along the river channel. Here, fresh water and sea meet, with thick vegetation lining the banks.

The boat can approach the falls closely, giving you a much better view than you would get from a distant coastal lookout. Monkeys may be visible in the trees, and fruit bats may be resting higher up. Wildlife is not guaranteed, but the river ride itself is one of the more varied sections of the day.

Allow about 30 minutes for this stop. Weather can affect the route. On at least one reported departure, the waterfall was missed because conditions were poor. That is not necessarily a service failure, but it is worth understanding that the printed route is subject to sea and river conditions.

Ile aux Cerfs: beaches, free time, and optional water sports

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop and the part most people picture when they book this trip. You have about two hours to swim, stroll, snorkel, relax, or pay extra for water sports.

The island has white sand, palms, and bright lagoon water. The boat gives you a more exciting arrival than a standard shuttle, and you have enough time to enjoy the beach without rushing straight back aboard.

Water sports are not included. The supplied information gives an optional cost of about 40 euros, but the exact activity and final price should be confirmed locally. You can have a good time without paying extra, since swimming and walking are already part of the stop.

This is also the point where the tour can feel crowded. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and you will share the general beach area with other visitors even if your boat group is small. The advantage of this tour is the full route around the coast, not exclusive use of the island.

Ilot Margenie barbecue lunch with music and rum

Lunch is served around midday on Ilot Margenie, with the meal prepared on the beach. The usual spread includes chicken barbecue, fish barbecue, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. A vegetarian barbecue can be arranged if you request it when booking, and halal food is included.

The meal is paired with unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The setup is social, with music, traditional sega dancing, and entertainment. Banana flambé is prepared for dessert, adding a distinctly Mauritian finish to the meal.

Food quality and portion size appear to vary. Some departures include chicken, fish, sausages, salads, and plenty of food, while one account found the serving small and the meal cold. Drinks may also be served in plastic cups, and one departure had warm soft drinks.

That makes lunch a pleasant part of the day, but not the reason to book the tour. Think of it as a casual beach barbecue rather than a restaurant meal. Tell the operator about allergies, illness, or vegetarian needs in advance, and bring a snack if you are used to eating more between breakfast and dinner.

The atmosphere: lively speedboat or too much partying?

This is the decision point. The boat experience can be funny, musical, and very social. Crew members such as Kevin, known to some passengers as Jack Sparrow, have been praised for turning the ride into a memorable party. People have danced, sung, shared rum, and enjoyed an easygoing Mauritian mood.

The same setup can work poorly for other passengers. Unlimited alcohol, smoking, vaping, and loud music may continue for much of the day. If you want a quiet nature trip, a family-focused outing, or detailed commentary at every island, this may be the wrong choice.

The group size is capped at 15, which is smaller than many catamaran cruises. That usually helps with boarding, swimming, and contact with the crew. Still, the tone depends on the people aboard and the particular skipper.

Communication also deserves attention. Pickup times have changed for some departures, with early collections sent by message rather than matching the original 8 a.m. expectation. Check the Viator app and any current operator message the day before and on the morning itself. Do not rely only on an old email.

Is the $151.21 price good value?

At $151.21 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It becomes fairer when you count the private air-conditioned pickup and return, certified guide and driver, speedboat route, snorkeling equipment, cocktail, lunch, unlimited drinks, and several separate island and waterfall stops.

You are paying for variety and transport as much as for time on Ile aux Cerfs. Booking separate taxis, boat trips, lunch, and snorkeling would take more planning and could cost more, though a quiet beach day would cost much less.

The value is strongest for an active first visit to Mauritius, especially if you want to combine scenery, swimming, a little history, and a party atmosphere in one long day. It is weaker if you do not drink, dislike fast boats, or mainly want a calm beach and a substantial lunch.

The tour normally runs 8 to 9 hours, with a return to Blue Bay around 4:30 p.m. Because the day includes long transfers and many stops, it is a full outing rather than a relaxed half-day excursion.

Who should book it?

I would choose this tour if you want a high-energy day on the water and like changing scenery. Couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who are comfortable with speedboats may have a great time, particularly when the weather is clear.

I would be more careful with young children, older relatives who need shade or stable footing, and anyone who avoids alcohol or loud music. The speedboat, limited shade, wet landings, and social drinking atmosphere can make the day tiring.

The tour needs at least two people to operate and can carry no more than 15. It also depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book this Mauritius island tour?

Book it if the phrase fast boat, several swims, beach barbecue, rum, music, and many sights sounds like your ideal Mauritius day. The strongest moments are the Blue Bay reef, the lighthouse island, the close approach to GRSE Waterfall, and the open-water ride between the islets.

Skip it if you want a quiet, polished, alcohol-free excursion or a slow historical tour. Before paying, confirm the pickup time, vegetarian or allergy requirements, and the exact boat arrangement. With the right expectations, this is a big, busy, good-value day that packs much of Mauritius’s southeast coast into one memorable ride.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The excursion uses hotel pickup from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., and the transfer takes you to Blue Bay on the southeast coast.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. The planned return to the mainland is around 4:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius are included, along with private transport in a fully air-conditioned vehicle.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch is a three-course beach barbecue, usually including chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. Halal food is included.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian barbecue can be arranged, but you need to request it when booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. A selection of unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included on the boat and during the lunch service.

Are water sports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Water sports are optional and are listed at approximately 40 euros.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions or because the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.